By Isaac Eranga  The Nigerian delegate at the recently held All-Russian Youth Education Forum (SHUM) organized by the World Youth Festival Directorate of the Russian Federation, Dr. Emmanuel Johnson Chukwuka has charged journalists to correct historical biases through research, especially the ones instigated against Russia and Africa by the Western countries. Dr. Chukwuka who was the Vice Presidential candidate of the Action Alliance in the 2023 general election in Nigeria spoke in the Kaliningrad region of Russia during the week-long event which held between October 26 and November 1, 2024. The Medical Doctor and top Nigerian politician who spoke on the topic, 'Media versus Journalism In A Rapidly Changing World', argued that media reports should be thoroughly investigated before they are spread further, as many are false narratives enabled by the Western countries against perceived enemies, especially nations like Russia which vehemently fought against Western institutions l...

By Isaac Eranga, Journalists for Peace Network   Conflict and conflict resolution is as old as mankind. Where two or more people are present, conflict becomes inevitable. Studies show that conflict could have both desirable and undesirable consequences depending on how it is being managed or resolved. This is where sound understanding of resolution of conflict is a necessity to prevent further escalation which in most cases endangers the society. In this article, we will take a cursory look at what conflict resolution entails and how the Security Agencies could carry out their roles efficiently in conflict resolution.  Before delving into what conflict resolution entails, it will not be out of place for us to first of all look at the meanings of the following terms: conflict; conflict management; conflict resolution; and security agencies.  Conflict is a situation in which unacceptable differences in interests, values, expectations and opinions occur between individu...

By Patrick Egwu and John Chukwu A Project of ICFJ Nigeria is cracking down on journalists and media workers under the guise of national security.  State authorities have detained journalists and held them for questioning, and the country’s broadcast industry regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has fined and banned outlets. In its 2024 World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders ranked Nigeria 112 out of 180 countries, listing the country among the most challenging for journalists in West Africa. In August, no fewer than 56 journalists were harassed and attacked during anti-government protests, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. “As a journalist practicing in Nigeria, I can confidently say that the environment is far from conducive for journalists to fully exercise their press freedom,” said Kelechi Ekeledo, a reporter at the private broadcaster, Africa Independent Television.  Incidents In 2022, after airing a documentary about attac...

By Osas Idowu Journalists for Peace Network (JPN), South-South zone has called on members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council to support the candidature of Dr. Festus Alenkhe, JP, (Chairman) and Comrade Nekpen Maureen Nwine (Vice-Chairman) in the forthcoming Edo NUJ election bid to hold in Benin city, the Edo State capital. Speaking, the South-South Coordinator of JPN, Comrade Collins Newuwumi said the monumental achievements of Dr. Alenkhe is enough to justify the reason why he should be voted for. He said Festus Alenkhe has restored pride and dignity to Edo NUJ. He said it's only unreasonableness that will make one to vote against him.  "Festus Alenkhe achieved within 60 days in office what past Chairmen could not achieve for 16 years. This is why JPN is calling for his re-election.  "We were able to verify the number of Edo Journalists that had enjoyed the professional developmental scheme of Festus Alenkhe. The Press Centre now enjoys free electrici...

... urged security agencies to take immediate and decisive action By Isaac Eranga Representatives of Edo P4P with the state Commandant of NSCDC Benin City: The Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta (P4P), Edo State Chapter has condemned the recent spate of illicit killings in Edo State, which have resulted in the gruesome murder of not less than 20 persons. This was contained in a press statement signed by the Coordinator of P4P, Edo State- Engr. Eugene Okoeguale.  According  to the statement, the Edo P4P is "deeply troubled by the escalating violence and senseless loss of lives, which undermines the peace and security of our communities.  "We want to use this medium to call on  the Nigerian Police and other relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to: investigate these heinous crimes and bring perpetrators to justice; increase patrols and surveillance in affected areas to prevent further violence; collaborate with local stakeholders to identify and...

By Taiwo Olatunde A pre-election polls for the 2024 Edo NUJ elections conducted by Media World Initiative (MWI), reveal that  Nekpen Maureen Nwine of the State Information Chapel, won the Vice Chairmanship category by defeating  her rival from the NTA Chapel- Ede Agho by 70%. According to the MWI, Journalists were randomly selected and interviewed and their responses were statistically recorded.  "Most of the respondents said they decided to vote for Nekpen Maureen Nwine because she posses the needed capacity to move the Edo NUJ forward. They also claimed that the outstanding track record of Maureen Nwine cannot be matched by her opponent- Ede Agho, hence, the need to vote for her as Vice Chairman.  Media World Initiative is a media consultancy organisation based in Abuja.

By Isaac Eranga  Echoes of Women in Africa (ECOWA) in Collaboration with Trippinz Care New York Inc, 1000 Shades of Women International and Extended Arms Diamond Inc, on October 18th,  commemorated the International Rural Women's Day with Dialogue and Dance at Ohen Palace in  Arougba Community in ward 2 Oredo LGA, Edo State.  Following the theme on  “Rural women confronting the global cost-of-living crisis”,  Louisa Eikhomun-Agbonkhese and Dr. Teddy Igori of Trippinz Care Foundation Edo State ( represented) hosted the women to a  dialogue and dance to celebrate them as women resilient in food production and food processing for subsistence.  In her welcome remarks, the Founder of ECOWA- Dr Louisa Eikhomun-Agbonkhese said the essence of the intervention program was to sensitize the women about proven ways of combating the high cost of living plaguing Nigerians especially women in rural communities. She called on women to be resilient, productive, cr...